Red Star’s homecoming delayed for another year

30 March 2023

Aviation restrictions and logistical challenges mean one more season in Russia

Kunlun Red Star remains determined to return home to China as soon as possible. However, after reviewing the situation in detail and consulting with everyone involved in relocating the club, it appears that it is still too early to return our teams to Beijing and Shenzhen.

While China has eased many of its Covid restrictions, there are significant challenges affecting international air travel. In particular, there is a ban on flights using dual-registration aircraft, as well as quotas for visas issued to Russian citizens. There is every reason to hope that things will change for the better, but it is likely that any changes will arrive after the start of the hockey season. Under current circumstances, playing our games in China would prompt numerous logistical problems and incur additional financial costs for our fellow KHL teams. As a result, the club’s management decided to remain in Russia for a further season.

Kunlun Red Star remains hopeful of returning to China for the 2024/25 season. In the meantime, we are also looking into the possibility of staging some of our games back in our homeland in the coming season, most likely against opposition from the Far East.